China a Sticky Point in Taiwan Vote

Trade Deal With Beijing Has Been Slow to Yield Benefits, Opening Door for Opposition Candidate

By

Paul Mozur and

Jenny W. Hsu

January 10, 2012

TAIPEI—Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou's policy of economic opening to China has frustrated a key constituency: struggling middle- and low-income workers, who could cost him elections this week. That outcome would alarm Beijing and heighten uncertainty in an area that has long been a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations.

Following massive rallies Sunday by both the ruling Kuomintang and the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party...